I saw some news today...any comments?
Integrated Silicon Solution Introduces Mixed-Mode Voice Chip
Storage and Play-back Device Offers Excellent Sound Quality
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Integrated Silicon Solution, Inc. (Nasdaq: ISSI) today announced its entry into the single-chip mixed mode technology arena with the introduction of the IS22C011, the first member of a family of one-time programmable (OTP) voice chip products. Developed for use in traditional and emerging markets, key features include ADPCM compression and pop noise reduction for high sound quality and low standby power for long battery life. Moreover, ISSI has developed programming and editing tools for the voice chip that provide users with complete turnkey record and playback capabilities. "With the company's proven background in memory technology as a base, we developed expertise in mixed-mode technology and now can provide our customers with an advanced, low-cost voice chip that has excellent sound quality," said Bob Cushman, ISSI's vice president of corporate marketing. "ISSI's OTP chip is less expensive than read/record ICs and much more flexible than ROM-based devices now on the market. It's the perfect middle ground, from both a price and a performance perspective."
ISSI's Programmable Voice Chip Applications As today's industrial systems and consumer electronics become more and more automated and complex, audio prompts are becoming commonplace. The new ISSI voice chip is ideal for traditional consumer and merchandising applications such as watches, games, toys, cameras and greeting cards, as well as for use in pagers, security systems, elevator enunciators and industrial and automotive controls.
IS22C011 Overview ISSI's one-time-programmable voice chip does not perform the voice compression or digitizing functions. It is a storage (256K EPROM) and play back device that stores eight to 10 seconds of compressed (and digitized) sound data, which then can be played back through on-chip decoding, sound enhancement and driver circuitry. Product features and benefits include:
FEATURES BENEFITS
* ADPCM compression and pop noise reduction High sound quality * EPROM (OTP) based storage Instant write capability, no masking or setup charges, economical small quantities * ISSI programming and editing tools Complete turnkey capability * Low standby power (<5mA@3V) Long battery life * Eight selectable phrases (sections) Flexibility * Direct Piezoelectric "buzzer" drive Cost savings, no external components * One transistor speaker drive Cost savings, one external component * Interrupt, stop/busy controls Easy system control * Single resistor oscillator Low cost * Easy cascade or parallel operation Long sound duration or mixed sounds
Programming the IS22C011 ISSI has also developed the tools needed to record, compress and edit sound and to program the device. Two types of external programmers are available to make programming the IS22C011 easy and quick. The first type is menu-driven and consists of software and a single- or gang-programming board. It enables customers to use a personal computer and a PC-compatible 8- or 16-bit sound card, such as the SoundBlaster(TM) board, to record and edit sound, add special effects, play it back to check for quality and then to program parts. The second programming tool is a standalone programming board that requires a 15V power supply and audio input. Users can record the audio, review it for acceptability (no filtering or editing) and program the device. The IS22C011 can also be programmed from existing .VOC files or, at times, from other types of existing compressed audio files.
Price and Availability Available now, the IS22C011 is priced depending upon quantity, application and configuration. In quantities of 10,000, bare die cost is approximately $1.75. Cost of packaged parts is an additional $0.35. Delivery times range from one week for small quantities to 12 weeks for very large quantities. Integrated Silicon Solution, Inc. designs, develops and markets high-performance Flash, SRAM, EPROM, and E2PROM memory devices used in networking systems, data communications, telecommunications, office equipment, personal computers, instrumentation, and consumer products. Product design and engineering, process technology development, corporate administration and quality management is based in the company's worldwide headquarters in Sunnyvale, Calif. Founded in 1988, ISSI is ISO certified and has approximately 350 employees. The company has offices in the United States and subsidiaries in Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong.
CONTACT: Bob Cushman of Integrated Silicon Solution,Inc., 408-774-4614, or fax, 408-749-1977; or Lois Long of Wabash Public Relations, 408-738-0340, or fax, 408-738-2405, or Llong@ix.netcom.co |